Bengals Legend and HBCU Star Ken Riley Passes Away at 72

Perhaps the most underrated cornerback in the history of the NFL passed away early Sunday morning.

Ken Riley, a ballhawking corner who played for nearly two decades with the Cincinnati Bengals in the 1970s and 1980s and churned out elite production consistently, died at the age of 72.

Riley, who became famous for wearing No. 13 as a cornerback, was one of the great HBCU players of all time during an extremely productive career at Florida A&M. His success as a Rattler helped get him drafted in the sixth round by Paul Brown and Cincinnati, where he promptly became one of the best sixth-round picks in NFL history.

Despite the fact he never played in the Pro Bowl during his 15-year career, largely due to him playing in anonymity on some bad Bengals teams, Riley was one of the best corners in the league during the '70s and '80s. Riley was an All-Pro three times, and was a first-team selection in his final season at the age of 36.

Riley recorded 65 interceptions in his career, recording four or more in a season seven times. His 65 picks are tied with the great Charles Woodson for fifth all-time, and that number ranks below only Night Train Lane, Rod Woodson, Emlen Tunnell, and Paul Krause, all of whom are in the Hall of Fame.

After his playing career, Riley became an exceptional coach at his alma mater, going 45-40-2 with the Rattlers and twice winning MEAC coach of the year.

In the wake of Riley's death, Bengals great Willie Anderson payed homage to arguably the greatest defensive player in team history.

Even though he lacks the acclaim and trophies of many other great cornerbacks, the league should honor Riley by considering him for his long-overdue induction into the Hall of Fame.